Lorentz factor

Definition of the Lorentz factor γ

The Lorentz factor or Lorentz term (also known as the gamma factor^[1]) is a quantity that expresses how much the measurements of time, length, and other physical properties change for an object while that object is moving. The expression appears in several equations in special relativity, and it arises in derivations of the Lorentz transformations. The name originates from its earlier appearance in Lorentzian electrodynamics – named after the Dutch physicist Hendrik Lorentz.^[2]

It is generally denoted $γ$ (the Greek lowercase letter gamma). Sometimes (especially in discussion of superluminal motion) the factor is written as $Γ$ (Greek uppercase-gamma) rather than $γ$ .

^ "The Gamma Factor". webs.morningside.edu. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
^ Tyson, Neil deGrasse; Liu, Charles Tsun-Chu; Irion, Robert. "The Special Theory of Relativity". One Universe. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Archived from the original on 2021-07-25. Retrieved 2024-01-06.

[1] "The Gamma Factor". webs.morningside.edu. Retrieved 2024-01-14.

[2] Tyson, Neil deGrasse; Liu, Charles Tsun-Chu; Irion, Robert. "The Special Theory of Relativity". One Universe. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Archived from the original on 2021-07-25. Retrieved 2024-01-06.

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